Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard live on BBC 'for taking it too far' in broadcast spat

Micah Richards has made a heartfelt apology to Frank Lampard live on the BBC after a clip of their heated exchange during a match between Chelsea and Manchester City from 2007 which was aired.

Richards, a former Man City defender, was alongside Lampard in the studio for punditry work ahead of the FA Cup semi-final between their old clubs which was being broadcast on the BBC. The broadcast showed footage from the game 17 years ago featuring Richards committing a challenge on Lampard, leading to a tense verbal altercation in the Premier League game that ended with Chelsea thrashing City 6-0, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Both players received yellow cards for the incident, and despite the serious nature of the clash at the time, the atmosphere in the studio was light-hearted as the video played. Richards and Lampard both indicated that there were no hard feelings, with Richards taking the opportunity to express his regret over the incident.

READ MORE: Pochettino's new Sterling alternative, Matos success, Anjorin promotion - Chelsea loan latest

READ MORE: Chelsea may have found next Cole Palmer as wonderkid sends Mauricio Pochettino clear message

Recalling the events, Richards said on the BBC: "I just remember I got into that England side, I was in the tunnel and I said hello to Frank, and he blanked me. So, in the game I thought 'you know what, I'm going to get him back'. A few tough tackles and I think I took it a little bit over the top."

Lampard responded with a teasing remark about the match's outcome: "And the context of the result of the game, if you want to bring that up?"

Richards responded in the same vein, saying: "Well, it was 6-0. I was at fault for probably five of the goals, but I'd like to apologise live on air." The two pundits then shook hands, with Lampard assuring Richards that he had nothing to apologise for.